Pollinator Advocacy Alliance
We are a group of beekeepers, business owners, farmers, land stewards, and non-profits seeking to protect local beekeepers, habitat, and pollinators.
Read the Ordinance
The proposed ordinance creates a sustainable framework for the number of commercial beehives and proximity of apiaries in Sonoma County.
If you wish to read the entire text of the proposed ordinance you can do so HERE.
Main Points of the Sonoma County Commercial Beekeeping Ordinance
- A 2-mile spacing requirement between apiaries.
- Existing apiaries currently spaced at a 3-mile radius could be grandfathered in and protected from new apiary permits under a 2-mile spacing rule.
- Maximum apiary size will be limited to 48 hives per location.
- Seasonal apiary limits from April 15 through October 15.
- Grandfathering in existing apiary sites vs a deadline in the ordinance would offer a clearer incentive for change. A possible recommendation could be a 10 year transition period
Sign the Petition
Join us in demanding that our local government act on behalf of all pollinators! Please sign and share this petition and let our elected officials know that Sonoma County is a safe place for honey bees and other pollinators alike.
about
The Pollinator Advocacy Alliance was formed in 2023 by a coalition of local residents in response to Sonoma County’s decision to lease public property to a migratory beekeeper. This decision opened the door to discussion of the impacts that migratory bee hives have in our local landscapes.We are all Sonoma County professionals involved in beekeeping, conservation, habitat, or other endeavors that involve both honey bees and native pollinators.We have all been directly affected by migratory bee hives and are looking to create a county ordinance that would regulate migratory beekeeping and protect Sonoma County honey bees and other pollinators, as well as those who live and whose businesses are based in Sonoma County.We are actively involved in seeking the broadest possible coalition of community members to tackle this issue.
Contact
You can reach PAA at:pollinatoradvocacyalliance[at]gmail[dot]com